A summer weekend in Baden-Baden, Germany
With its lush parks, elegant streets and a laid-back atmosphere that feels equal parts stylish and calm, Baden-Baden is one of Germany’s most charming summer getaways. Nestled at the edge of the Black Forest this small town has reinvented itself as a modern hotspot for culture lovers, foodies and wellness seekers.
Whether you're trying one of the many fine dining spots, discovering a new favourite wine at a nearby vineyard or spending golden afternoons between boutique galleries, museums, parks and promenades, Baden-Baden feels like a slow-living dream, with just the right amount of sparkle. It’s a place to enjoy the art of good living, great culinary experiences, unique performances and picturesque sunset walks – *ad | baden-baden.com
Baden-Baden in a nutshell
Best time to visit – May to September for warm temperatures and mostly sunny weather, blooming parks, outdoor dining and cultural open air festivals
How many days – 3 days to see the city and explore the most famous sights, if you want to explore more of the Black Forest area you should stay a bit longer
Where to stay – we stayed at the Atlantic Parkhotel for timeless charm and river views and a classic atmosphere
How to get there – The closest airports are Karlsruhe-Baden-Baden, Stuttgart and Frankfurt; from there you can reach Baden-Baden perfect by train
Where to eat & drink – Nigrum for gourmet dining, Ebanat for modern cuisine with a twist, Weinstube im Baldreit for backyard vibes and local cuisine, Café König for cakes and coffee
What to do – walks along Lichtentaler Allee and the beautiful gardens, Friedrichsbad for a historic spa experience, explore the Old Town, enjoy a wine tasting at Weingut Kopp, experience the glamour of Casino Baden-Baden and take the MerkurBergbahn for scenic views, Trinkhalle for an architectural and historical gem
Cultural highlights – Theater im Baldreit for unique performances, open-air events in summer, Festspielhaus
How to get around – Baden-Baden is easily walkable; for further distances, local buses or taxis are convenient, a car is only needed for excursions outside the city
We spent three days in Baden-Baden together with @visitbadenbaden and quickly found ourselves swept up in its unique rhythm. Mornings began with a walk along Lichtentaler Allee followed by a long breakfast, afternoons were for coffee, cake, spa and vineyard visits and evenings were spent between hidden dining spots, summer theaters and golden hour walks through the old town. It’s the kind of place that effortlessly blends relaxation, culture, and culinary highlights into every moment.
Where to stay
Located along the Lichtentaler Allee and facing the Oos River, the Atlantic Parkhotel has the perfect location to explore Baden-Baden by foot. It is a place with classic charm, traditional rooms with balconies and park views through your window. Mornings start with a breakfast by the tree-lined promenade and evenings end with a good book on the balcony with the evening sun slightly shining through the trees. Its central location means you’re just steps from the old town, restaurants, museums, thermal baths and cultural spots.
What to see & do
Stroll along the Lichtentaler Allee: Start your visit with a walk along this lush, tree-lined promenade that winds through the heart of town. Surrounded by museums, villas, mature trees and gardens.
Visit the famous Trinkhalle: This historic building with its 90 metres long colonnade and frescoed ceilings is one of the town’s architectural jewels and simply a stunning place to take photos.
Bath at Friedrichsbad: As Baden-Baden’s most known thermal bath, Friedrichsbad offers a unique Roman-Irish bathing ritual in a stunning historic century setting. Expect 17 different stages — from steam rooms to thermal whirlpools and rooms for reading — all designed to calm down and leave completely relaxed.
Ride the Merkur Funicular Railway: The Merkurbergbahn is one of Germany’s longest and steepest funicular railway. It goes all the way up to the top of Mount Merkur – the views from there are panoramic and breathtaking — perfect for a light hike or just taking in the beauty of the Black Forest.
Explore the Old Town: With its narrow alleys, colorful pastel facades and cute boutiques, Baden-Baden’s old town is the kind of place where every corner reveals a hidden gem — from cafés to hidden backyard restaurants and theaters.
Relax at Gönneranlage & Rosengarten: This peaceful garden is one of the city’s most beautiful green spaces. It is filled with hundreds of varieties in bloom during summer and is just a short walk from the center on the side of the Lichtentaler Allee.
Visit Rosenneuheitengarten: A short walk from the center on a mountain behind the Casino you will find this hidden garden where hundreds of new and rare rose varieties are in bloom. This place is especially magical when the roses are in full bloom during the early summer months.
Admire the view from Neues Schloss: From the viewpoint just below the New Castle you’ll find postcard views over the town’s rooftops and surrounding hills.
Visit the famous Casino: A visit to Baden-Baden wouldn’t be complete without stepping inside its iconic casino. With its impressive interiors, golden chandeliers and red velvet details the atmosphere feels more like an elegant ballroom than a gambling hall. It’s an experience full of old-world charm and timeless glamour.
Views from Neues Schloss viewing point
Casino Baden-Baden
Casino Baden-Baden
Wine Tasting at a local winery: Just a short drive from the city you will find Weingut Kopp, a stylish, modern estate which offers tastings of their great wines with a beautiful view of the surrounding vineyards.
Cultural summer highlights
Baden-Baden shines in summer not only for its natural beauty and culinary scene but also for its rich cultural offerings. From open-air concerts in the parks and Lichtentaler Allee to classical performances at the Festspielhaus, there’s always something happening. A true hidden gem is the Theater im Baldreit, a cozy courtyard spot where unique performances come together in the most atmospheric way.
Where to eat
Weinstube im Baldreit: Tucked away in a hidden courtyard this is a cozy restaurant that effortlessly blends rustic charm with culinary excellence. It is known for its warm ambiance and attentive service, it offers a delightful array of regional dishes, including Flammkuchen and seasonal specialties, complemented by a thoughtfully curated selection of local wines.
Restaurant Ebanat: This restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a scenic view of the vineyards. It is located at Weingut Kopp, a Demeter-certified winery, and spreads a modern and cozy ambiance with large windows framing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The combination of excellent food, fine wines, and a tranquil setting makes Ebanat a perfect destination for those seeking a memorable culinary evening.
Restaurant Nigrum: Located in the center of the old town of Baden-Baden this restaurant offers an elegant fine dining experience with a focus on creative, modern cuisine – always with a special touch in every course. The menu blends modern cusine with innovative international touches and changes every two weeks. A top choice for food lovers seeking a refined atmosphere and exceptional flavors.
Café König: This historic café serves some of the best cakes and pastries in town — make sure to try the Lemon Tartlette, it is a must-try from us! Café König is just perfect for an afternoon pause between sightseeing.
How to get around
Baden-Baden is quite a small town with a compact center, making it perfect for exploring the city through walking. Most of the highlights are within a 10–15 minute radius by foot, for sights like the Merkur you can also take the bus for a few stops. For trips further out like to the vineyards or hiking trails we recommend renting a car or taking a short taxi ride. If you're arriving by train, the main station is well connected and just a few minutes bus drive from the center.
Baden-Baden is the kind of place that gently unfolds its charm with every step – from traditional spa rituals and world-class cuisine to peaceful gardens and lively cultural corners. Whether you're sipping a glass of wine in a quiet courtyard, strolling under the trees of the Lichtentaler Allee or soaking up the mountain views from the Merkur, this town invites you to slow down and enjoy life the fullest.
In just a few days we experienced an incredible mix of relaxation, great food and inspiration and left feeling both recharged and culturally enriched. Baden-Baden might be small, but its spirit is big, warm and unforgettable. A true gem for a summer escape in Germany!
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